Exploring the Role, Responsibilities, and How to Qualify with The Retrofit Academy
As the UK continues to ramp up its efforts to decarbonise homes and meet our national net-zero targets, the role of the PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator has never been more crucial. But what exactly does a Retrofit Coordinator do – and how do you become one?
At The Retrofit Academy, we’re proud to be the original creator of the leading qualification in this field: the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management, along with our new bridging course, Retrofit Coordinator Into Practice, designed to help professionals transition seamlessly and confidently from theory to delivery.
A PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator is a certified professional responsible for overseeing domestic retrofit projects from ‘cradle to grave’ and ensuring they comply with the UK’s PAS 2035 standard. This role is crucial to managing the entire retrofit process – from initial assessment through design, installation, and post-project evaluation – ensuring that energy efficiency measures are effectively implemented and risks are appropriately managed.
Coordinators act as the central figure, liaising with homeowners, assessors, designers, and installers to deliver high-quality, compliant retrofit solutions. The role demands technical knowledge, project oversight, risk management and a people-first approach as the only mandatory role across all risk pathways under the PAS 2035 framework.
Core Responsibilities of a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator
Retrofit Coordinators wear many hats, including:
- Improvement Option Evaluation (IOE): They assess the most effective and appropriate energy efficiency measures based on the property, budget, and occupant needs. This includes modelling different scenarios to determine carbon savings, cost-effectiveness, and suitability.
- Medium-Term Improvement Plans (MTIP): Coordinators produce a 20–30 year roadmap of recommended retrofit measures, aligned with the building’s lifecycle. This ensures interventions are well-sequenced and support long-term carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
- Risk Assessment & Pathway Allocation: Coordinators identify the appropriate PAS 2035 risk pathway (A, B or C) for the property and project, ensuring each step – from assessment through design to installation – is handled by qualified professionals.
- Lodgements to TrustMark: The Coordinator is responsible for submitting completed project information to the TrustMark Data Warehouse. This step is essential for compliance and for homeowners to access funding through schemes such as ECO4, SHDF, or LAD. Moving forward, this will now include Warm Homes, too.
- Stakeholder Management: Acting as the central point of contact, Retrofit Coordinators liaise with clients, Retrofit Assessors, Designers, Installers, and Evaluators to ensure that retrofit works are coordinated and quality-assured from start to finish.
TrustMark and Accreditation for a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator
Once qualified, Retrofit Coordinators must be accredited by a TrustMark-approved scheme provider, allowing them to make official project lodgements and deliver retrofit services under publicly funded programmes. Accreditation assures homeowners, funders, and local authorities that the work meets high standards and complies with PAS 2035.
The Retrofit Academy’s Level 5 Diploma not only prepares candidates for this role – it includes TrustMark accreditation upon completion at no additional cost, setting learners up for success from day one.
The Retrofit Academy’s Level 5 Diploma: Your Pathway to Becoming a Competent, Accredited Retrofit Coordinator
At The Retrofit Academy, we offer the AIM Qualifications Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management – the UK’s first and best qualification for aspiring Retrofit Coordinators and construction professionals looking to add another arrow to their quiver. Trusted by over 3,000 learners and endorsed by leading industry employers, this comprehensive course equips professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage retrofit projects effectively.
Course Highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all aspects of the PAS 2035 framework, including risk assessment, project planning, and quality assurance.
- Flexible Learning: Approximately 145 guided learning hours with up to 12 months of access, allowing you to balance studies with other commitments.
- Expert Support: Access to our dedicated Retrofit Skills Coaches and a supportive learning community through the Retrofit Academy Hub.
- TrustMark Accreditation: Upon completion, receive TrustMark accreditation at no extra cost, enhancing your professional credibility.
- Professional Membership: Includes 12 months of professional membership with The Retrofit Academy, providing ongoing support and resources.
Introducing: Retrofit Coordinator into Practice
To further support our graduates, The Retrofit Academy has launched the “Retrofit Coordinator into Practice” course – a free, 15-hour program designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. This course is exclusive to recent graduates of our Level 5 Diploma and active professional members.
Course Benefits:
- Practical Application: Enhances your ability to apply PAS 2035 standards confidently in real-world scenarios.
- Software Proficiency: Provides hands-on experience with Homelife software, essential for project management and compliance.
- Professional Development: Strengthens your understanding of TrustMark compliance requirements and fosters collaboration with industry peers
Earning Potential as a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator
Becoming a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator is not only a meaningful step in tackling climate change and improving housing quality – it’s also a financially rewarding career choice.
Salary Overview:
- Entry-Level Positions: Newly qualified Retrofit Coordinators can typically expect to earn between £28,000 and £35,000 per year
- Mid-Level Roles: With experience, most professionals earn between £37,000 and £45,000 annually.
- Senior Positions: Highly experienced coordinators, especially those in consultancy or leadership roles, can command salaries of £50,000 or more.
What Affects Your Earning Potential?
- Experience and Skills: Coordinators with complementary qualifications (such as DEA or OCDEA, and the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings) or hands-on project experience are often better paid.
- Location: Roles based in urban areas or regions with extensive retrofit programmes may offer higher salaries.
- Project Scope: Coordinators managing high-risk, large-scale, or heritage building projects may command a premium.
As the retrofit sector continues to grow in response to the UK’s net-zero targets, demand for qualified coordinators is on the rise – making now an ideal time to upskill.
Why Choose The Retrofit Academy?
The Retrofit Academy is committed to developing a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality, energy-efficient retrofits across the UK. Our training programs are designed to meet the growing demand for qualified Retrofit Coordinators, a role that is central to achieving the UK’s net-zero carbon goals.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you’re a professional in the housing, construction, or design sectors looking to specialise in retrofit coordination, The Retrofit Academy’s Level 5 Diploma offers a comprehensive pathway to certification and practice. With our additional bridging course “Retrofit Coordinator into Practice”, you’ll be well-equipped to transition from learning to leading in the field of sustainable building retrofits.
Enrol Today
Join the forefront of the UK’s retrofit revolution. Enrol in our Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management and take advantage of our exclusive bridging course, Retrofit Coordinator into Practice, to enhance your practical skills and industry readiness.
For more information and to enrol, visit the course page using the button below!